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Understanding the Gospel of Matthew

Jan 19, 2025

The Gospel According to Matthew

Overview

  • One of the earliest accounts about Jesus of Nazareth: life, death, resurrection.
  • Authorship: Traditionally linked to Matthew the tax collector, one of the twelve apostles.
  • Oral tradition for 30-40 years before being written.
  • Matthew collects and arranges teachings and eyewitness accounts.
  • Focus on Jesus as the continuation and fulfillment of the biblical story.
    • Jesus as the Messiah, a new Moses, and Emmanuel (God with us).

Structure of the Gospel

  • Introduction and Conclusion: Frame the book.
  • Five Main Sections: Each concludes with a teaching of Jesus (parallels the five books of Moses).

Key Themes

  1. Genealogy (Chapters 1-3)

    • Jesus from the line of David, son of Abraham.
    • Fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies (e.g., birth in Bethlehem, concept of Emmanuel).
  2. Jesus as a New Moses

    • Parallels: Coming out of Egypt, passing through waters (baptism), entering wilderness, teaching from a mountain.
    • Jesus as the greater Moses, delivering new divine teachings and establishing a new covenant.
  3. Kingdom of God (Chapters 4-7)

    • Announcement of God's kingdom: Jesus' mission to confront evil and restore God's rule.
    • Sermon on the Mount: Jesus' teachings on living in God's kingdom, emphasizing transformation and fulfilling the Torah.
  4. Miracles and Teachings (Chapters 8-10)

    • Jesus brings kingdom's power into daily lives through miracles.
    • Call to discipleship: Follow Jesus to experience his grace.
    • Sending out of the 12 disciples to continue Jesus' work.
  5. Responses to Jesus (Chapters 11-13)

    • Mixed reactions: Acceptance by some (e.g., followers, healings), rejection by others (e.g., Israel's leaders).
    • Parables about the Kingdom: Illustrate responses and emphasize the kingdom's unstoppable growth.

Matthew's Presentation Strategy

  • Old Testament Quotations: Strategic placement to highlight Jesus' identity.
  • Acceptance and Rejection: Focus on who accepts Jesus (often the marginalized) versus those who reject him (religious leaders).
  • Continuing Story: The tension between Jesus and the leaders develops further in the second half of the Gospel.

Important Considerations

  • Pay attention to Old Testament connections and references.
  • Observe the types of people who follow Jesus and the resultant transformation.
  • Anticipate the unfolding tension with Israel's leaders, setting the stage for the second half of the Gospel.